Pumpkin Festival Season Begins

It's official. Pumpkin Festival time is here.

The city of Calabasas and the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce had an official Pumpkin Festival kick-off mixer Thursday evening at Acura 101, where a big orange pumpkin sits on top of the building, overlooking the freeway. The car dealership is an annual host of the kick-off event.

The festival itself isn't until Oct. 20 and 21, but now things like putting together the final details and recruiting volunteers kicks into high gear.

Volunteer Chairman Jeff Morton suggested students needing community service credit consider volunteering for the pumpkin festival.

"It takes several hundred students to back us up," he said.

The festival is also accepting volunteer groups from businesses and community organizations as well as individuals.

At the kick off, Chamber and city officials, including council members David Shapiro and Lucy Marin, thanked festival organizers for the many hours of hard work they put into planning the two-day event. As well, Chamber President Bridget Karl presented representatives of Acura 101 with a certificate of appreciation for hosting the kick-off party.

The festival—which takes place at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas—will feature live bands like the 80s cover group The Spazmatics and Bruce Springsteen cover The Rising, inflatables, contests, youth carnival games, a fun zone, business district and a Sunday car show—all included with the $5 admission fee. There will also be food and beer, craft items, kids' crafts and face painting, pumpkins and pumkin treats available for purchase.

Learn even more about the Pumpkin Festival and volunteering by visiting its website.